Individuals with cognitive impairment have a right to transportation when they can no longer drive or use the regular transit system safely, yet they are denied access to Handi-Transit. This is a vital service for people with dementia.

The Public Interest Law Centre is representing the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba as they support our claim that the City of Winnipeg has violated the rights of those with cognitive impairment by not expanding Handi-Transit’s eligibility critieria. Based on the Canadian Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms and the Manitoba Human Rights Code, individuals with cognitive disabilities should not be treated any differently than those with physical disabilities, suggesting that to provide services to one group and not to provide services to another is discriminatory. The denial of Handi-Transit sends a clear message this group is not deserving of an equal level of dignity, autonomy and respect.

• February 2009 – The Human Rights Commission rules that the City of Winnipeg Handi-Transit is acting in a discriminatory manner toward people with cognitive impairment related to Alzheimer's disease and other dementias and recommends that the matter proceed to mediation.



• December 2008 – Human Rights Commission grants the City of Winnipeg until January 2009 to respond to the report of the investigator.



• November 2008 – Human Rights Investigator files report.



• February 2006 – Human Rights Commission assigns investigator to the issue.



• February 2006 – Alzheimer Society files rebuttal to the Human Rights Commission stating that the respondents’ position reflects a lack of understanding and awareness of the impacts of a cognitive impairment on mobility.



• January 2006 – The City of Winnipeg issues a response to the Human Rights complaint, but ignores all of the issues laid out in the complaint.



• October 2005 – Alzheimer Society files complaint to the Human Rights Commission stating that the City of Winnipeg is discriminating against people with cognitive disability by not accommodating the needs of ALL people with disabilities whether the disability is physical, sensory or cognitive.



• September 2005 – Director of Handi-Transit calls to advise Alzheimer Society that a proposal will be sent to Public Works Committee recommending that people with cognitive impairment not be included in the eligibility criteria for Handi-Transit. Meanwhile, the Alzheimer Society receives favourable support from the City of Winnipeg’s Access Committee and Handi-Transit Advisory.



• May 2005-June 2005 – Alzheimer Society sends letters regarding Handi-Transit issue to Director of Handi-Transit, Director of Public Works, All City Councillors, and the City of Winnipeg Legal Department.



• May 10, 2005 - Click for the May 10, 2005 Winnipeg Free Press article: Alzheimer Society ready to battle over transit



• December 2004-April 2005 – Correspondence and meetings take place between the Alzheimer Society and Handi-Transit, The Manitoba League for Persons with Disabilities Community Transportation Coalition, Public Interest Law Centre attorney, and the City of Winnipeg’s Access Committee. Alzheimer Society receives favourable support from the Coalition & the Public Interest Law Centre.



• October 2004 – Alzheimer Society presents issue to the Standing Committee on Public Works. Standing Committee directs Handi-Transit staff to further consult with stakeholders.



• September 2004 – Director of Transit responds to the Society’s recommendation by stating that people with cognitive impairment will not be included in eligibility criteria.



• August 2004 – Alzheimer Society recommends to Handi-Transit that the criteria for accessing their services be expanded to include people with cognitive impairment.